FLEXIBLE Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'flexible' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flexible are elastic , resilient , springy , and supple . While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," flexible applies to something which may or may not be resilient or elastic but which can be bent or folded without breaking. // flexible plastic tubing

Q: Where would 'elastic' be a reasonable alternative to 'flexible'?

While in some cases nearly identical to flexible , elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching. // an elastic waistband

Q: When would 'resilient' be a good substitute for 'flexible'?

Although the words resilient and flexible have much in common, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed. // a resilient innersole

Q: When is it sensible to use 'springy' instead of 'flexible'?

The words springy and flexible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, springy stresses both the ease with which something yields to pressure and the quickness of its return to original shape. // the cake is done when the top is springy

Q: When could 'supple' be used to replace 'flexible'?

The words supple and flexible can be used in similar contexts, but supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury. // supple leather

flexible

adjective

ˈflek-sə-bəl

Definition of flexible

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed fortunately, that working mother has a very flexible schedule for her office job

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relaxed

not bound by rigid standards parents with a flexible attitude when it comes to the children's bedtime

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in plastic

able to bend easily without breaking the tent was held up by crisscrossing flexible rods threaded through the top

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stretch

able to revert to original size and shape after being stretched, squeezed, or twisted used a flexible plastic for the toy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective flexible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flexible are elastic, resilient, springy, and supple. While all these words mean "able to endure strain without being permanently injured," flexible applies to something which may or may not be resilient or elastic but which can be bent or folded without breaking.

flexible plastic tubing

Where would elastic be a reasonable alternative to flexible?

While in some cases nearly identical to flexible, elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.

an elastic waistband

When would resilient be a good substitute for flexible?

Although the words resilient and flexible have much in common, resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.

a resilient innersole

When is it sensible to use springy instead of flexible?

The words springy and flexible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, springy stresses both the ease with which something yields to pressure and the quickness of its return to original shape.

the cake is done when the top is springy

When could supple be used to replace flexible?

The words supple and flexible can be used in similar contexts, but supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.

supple leather

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of flexible Letybo’s cheaper unit cost and flexible vial purchasing give injectors room to undercut. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026 The company played with flexible workdays instead of rigid schedules, clearer windows for collaboration, simpler rules for meetings, better ways to share and document work, and more intentional reasons for coming together in person. — Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026 The material is lightweight, flexible and is often cut into large panels to cover the uppers or vamps of pumps, sneakers and dress shoes. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026 Lowering taxes on work and investment, making labor markets more flexible, cutting unnecessary regulations and tearing down trade barriers help grow the economy. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flexible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flexible

Adjective

The massive 5,942-lb (2,695 kg) weight is somewhat disguised by a system that swaps traditional mechanical anti-roll bars for triple-stage adjustable air springs linked to a high-capacity central hydraulic pressure reservoir.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
Other features include comfortable handles, an adjustable strap, and a luggage sleeve.

— Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

Eco effort The hotel uses its own solar power system, boasts LED lighting, has strict waste separation, does not use plastic products, and has green roofs and wildflower meadows to support biodiversity.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Saccani said the consortium estimates production costs have risen about 30%, driven by increases in animal feed, diesel, energy, plastic packaging and transportation.

— Giada Zampano, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of plastic

Adjective

If he — or any center — is sidelined for any stretch again, the Bulls will rely heavily on Smith as a stretch big man who can cover a lot of ground on both ends of the court.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026
The synthetic hand has learned to split silk strands, thread a needle, stretch fabric across a frame, and stitch, following a craft with more than 2,500 years of history.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of stretch

Adjective

Several expand or open, while others use moving furniture or adaptable interiors to maximize functionality.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
The program’s open-architecture approach is intended to make those systems more adaptable as operational requirements evolve.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

There’s a real zing to the sauce au poivre, which is mahogany-dark and sticky with demi-glace, and a cozy depth to the paccheri, floppy cylinders of pasta in a cream sauce with kale and sausage.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
There is of course another way to hear ABBA songs sung live onstage, though sadly without Greek island backdrops or background singers wearing floppy swim fins.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of floppy

Adjective

According to the blog post, the Foundation is in the process of replacing the acrylic roof with a more resilient material that more closely resembles Wright’s canvas.

— Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026
In China, Hermès has proved more resilient than its peers since the beginning of the luxury downturn in 2023.

— Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of resilient

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flexibility

flexible

flexile

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“Flexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flexible. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of flexible

adjective

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